The high arch condition is tough to deal with when it comes to problems with your feet, making shopping for shoes particularly challenging.
However, there are many options for walking shoes, work shoes, running shoes, or even sandals that fit high arches, and in this article, we will discuss the best walking and running shoes for high arches.
What is High Arch?
Also known as the cavus foot, a high arch is a condition where the foot has a high arch because of excessive weight placed on the heel, the ball, or both feet.
This damage is typically done while the person is standing or walking in the wrong shoes. A high arch can and does develop in any age group and can occur in both feet.
High-arch, interestingly enough, is twice more prevalent in women who wear high-heeled shoes regularly, especially heels that are not correct for their feet, but this condition is common in men, too.
Medical conditions, especially cerebral palsy, can cause a high arch. It’s also often caused by neurological disorders, spina bifida, polio, Charcot-Maria-Tooth disease, and even a stroke that can cause this condition, as well. Inherited structural abnormalities are also the main reasons for a high arch foot.
Symptoms of High Arch
The most common symptoms of the high arch foot are:
- Heel Pain – Heel pain while walking or standing, also known as Plantar Fasciitis
- Stability Issues – Instability and loss of balance.
- Foot deformities – Foot deforming conditions such as Hammertoes or claw toes.
- Callouses – Calluses on the side, heel, or ball of the foot.
- Weaker Ankles – Random ankle sprains because of the heel tilting inward and causing the foot to become unstable.
A foot drop, a weakness of the muscles and the ankle, is widespread and can cause a person to have a high arch to drag their feet whenever they take a step. The weakness of ankle muscle symptoms is more prevalent for those with underlying neurological conditions on top of a high arch.
The Importance of Proper Arch Support in Footwear
Anyone suffering from high arches must be prepared for a struggle with shoes. Wearing proper footwear if you suffer from a high arch is essential to dealing with the pain.
- Why Support Your Feet Properly? – Supporting your feet properly to accommodate the high arches during the day, while at work, school, or anywhere you go is incredibly important because you must distribute the body weight on your feet instead of exposing excessive pressure on your heel.
- Shoe Features for High Arch Support – There are special shoes like stylish dress shoes for high arches that help those suffering from high arch to get back to their daily lives and routine without paying over the top at the same time. These unique shoes have higher tops, extra cushions, and support to help those suffering walk better without dragging their foot. For those who work outside in physical work, you may check this article about the best high arch work boots and their special properties, from Work Boot Magazine.
- Cushioning for High Arches – Padding or Cushioning and arch support, along with a heel pad, are the best features of the right shoe for high arches. A higher arch naturally requires more cushioning to reduce shock, particularly in the heel and forefoot areas.
- Unsupportive Shoes – Not wearing shoes that support your high arch condition could worsen the foot further. It will put more pressure on that foot and make accidents more realistic. In addition, you risk causing ankle sprains because of the foot’s awkwardness and how tilted it becomes with high arches. The Condition will gradually worsen if you do not wear the proper footwear, and you will also have to deal with massive amounts of pain throughout the day.
Features of a Good Athletic Shoe for a High Arch
- Uppers – Breathable and lightweight uppers with either leather, mesh, or synthetic materials.
- Midsole – Supportive and cushioned EVA or Air Foam midsole that offers stability and structural support.
- Insole – Cushioned and arch supportive insole. A removable insole is ideal so that you can use your orthotics.
- Outsole – High Abrasion rubber that offers good traction.
- Other – Stability features and motion control features aid in preventing excessive pronation.
Key Specs
| No. | Shoe | Type | Closure | Width options | Drop / Cushion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Asics Nimbus 28 | Running | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | PureGEL |
| 2 | New Balance Fresh Foam 520 v9 | Running | Lace-up | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | 10 mm drop / Fresh Foam |
| 3 | Saucony Ride 19 | Running | – | Medium, Wide | 8 mm drop / PWRRUN |
| 4 | Brooks Glycerin 23 | Running | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | 8 mm drop / DNA TUNED |
| 5 | Nike Revolution 8 | Running | – | Medium | – |
| 6 | ASICS Gel Contend 10 | Running | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | GEL technology |
| 7 | Saucony Guide 19 | Running | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | 6 mm drop / PWRRUN |
| 8 | Mizuno Prophecy 15 | Running | – | Medium | MIZUNO WAVE |
| 9 | Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 Supportive | Running | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | DNA LOFT v3 |
| 10 | Asics Gel Venture 11 | Running | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | GEL technology |
| 11 | New Balance MW577 / WW577 (women's) | Walking | Lace-up | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | ABZORB |
| 12 | Brooks Launch 12 | Running | – | Medium | – |
| 13 | Asics Gel Excite 11 | Running | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | PureGEL |
– = not stated by the maker. Specs as stated by the maker, not tested by us.
Reviews: Best Running and Walking Shoes for High Arches
We have researched and reviewed some of the top brands of athletic shoes that work best with higher-arched feet;
We hope you love the products we recommend!
We may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.
1
Shoe for High Arch Support
Asics Nimbus 28 - Men
Currently unavailable
Asics Nimbus 28 - Women
Currently unavailable
The Asics Nimbus 28 is the newest in-stock version of this shoe on the web and replaces the Nimbus 26. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- Sizes and colors vary by listing, so check your size on the web.
2
High Arch Support Shoe
New Balance Fresh Foam 520 v9 - Men
Currently unavailable
New Balance Fresh Foam 520 v9 - Women
Currently unavailable
The New Balance Fresh Foam 520 v9 comes in men’s and women’s versions, and both are in stock on the web.
- FRESH FOAM CUSHIONING — Precision-engineered Fresh Foam midsole cushioning helps deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride for everyday running and all-day wear.
- BREATHABLE MESH UPPER — Breathable engineered mesh and synthetic materials help create a lightweight, versatile running shoe built for daily comfort.
- EVERYDAY RUNNING SHOE — Designed for everyday running and all-day wear, this men’s running shoe offers soft cushioning with neutral support.
- LIGHTWEIGHT RIDE — Weighing only 260.8 grams, this design helps keep the shoe light on foot without sacrificing cushioned comfort for regular activity.
3
Running Shoes for High Arches
Saucony Ride 19 - Men
Currently unavailable
Saucony Ride 19 - Women
Currently unavailable
The Saucony Ride 19 is the newest in-stock version of this shoe on the web and replaces the Ride 14. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- Experience the reformulated PWRRUN+ foam, now lighter, softer, and more responsive.
- Improved durability and grip with more rubber in the forefoot and added flex grooves for smooth transitions.
4
Normal to High Arch Running Shoe in Narrow Widths
Brooks Glycerin 23 - Men
Currently unavailable
Brooks Glycerin 23 - Women
Currently unavailable
The Brooks Glycerin 23 is the newest in-stock version of this shoe on the web and replaces the Glycerin 19. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- Sizes and colors vary by listing, so check your size on the web.
5
Podiatrist Recommended Shoes for High Arches
Nike Revolution 8 - Men
Currently unavailable
Nike Revolution 8 - Women
Currently unavailable
The Nike Revolution 8 comes in men’s and women’s versions, and both are in stock on the web.
- The mesh upper offers a comfortable, breathable feel.
- The foam midsole delivers intuitive cushioning through comfort-focused rocker geometry.
- The outsole has an intuitive Nike design and flex grooves in the forefoot that create a comfortable and cushioned effect as you run.
- Touch points at the heel and tongue create a natural feel as you take the shoes on and off.
6
Running Shoe for a High Arched Foot
ASICS Gel Contend 10 - Men
Currently unavailable
ASICS Gel Contend 10 - Women
Currently unavailable
The ASICS Gel Contend 10 comes in men’s and women’s versions, and both are in stock on the web.
- Engineered mesh upper: A lightweight, breathable mesh material helps reduce the need for additional overlays.
- Rearfoot GEL technology: Shock-attenuating material placed in the midsole of the shoe for cushioning and shock absorption.
- AMPLIFOAM PLUS cushioning: Midsole cushioning that provides a softer and more comfortable ride than standard AMPLIFOAM cushioning..
- OrthoLite sockliner: Sockliner that provides cushioning performance and moisture management for a cooler, dryer environment (OrthoLite is a registered trademark of ATP.
7
High Arch Running Shoes
Saucony Guide 19 - Men
Currently unavailable
Saucony Guide 19 - Women
Currently unavailable
The Saucony Guide 19 is the newest in-stock version of this shoe on the web and replaces the Guide 14. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- Sizes and colors vary by listing, so check your size on the web.
8
Wave Technology Running Shoes for High Arches
Mizuno Prophecy 15 - Men
Currently unavailable
Mizuno Prophecy 15 - Women
Currently unavailable
The Mizuno Prophecy 15 is the newest in-stock version of this shoe on the web and replaces the Prophecy 8. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- Sizes and colors vary by listing, so check your size on the web.
Here are some of the top walking shoes for high arches available on the market, which will help you to keep your high arch under control
9
Orthopedic Athletic Walking Shoes
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 Supportive - Men
Currently unavailable
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 Supportive - Women
Currently unavailable
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 Supportive comes in men’s and women’s versions, and both are in stock on the web.
- Our innovative technology – known as “GTS” for “Go-To Support” – supports your body in its natural motion path while keeping excess movement in check.
- Even more premium nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 cushioning delivers lightweight softness, and feel-good comfort mile after mile.
- The specially designed outsole and midsole work together to promote seamless transitions, ensuring comfort and support for every step, so you can stay active longer.
10
Gel Cushioned High Arch Walking Shoes
Asics Gel Venture 11 - Men
Currently unavailable
Asics Gel Venture 11 - Women
Currently unavailable
The Asics Gel Venture 11 is the newest in-stock version of this shoe on the web and replaces the Gel Venture 8. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- Rearfoot GEL technology: Shock-attenuating material placed in the midsole of the shoe for cushioning and shock absorption.
- AMPLIFOAM PLUS cushioning: Midsole cushioning that provides a more soft and comfortable ride than standard AMPLIFOAM.
- OrthoLite Hybrid Max Lite sockliner: Designed to help provide advanced moisture management, breathability, and cushioning properties.
- Molded rubber outsole.: The sockliner is produced with the solution dyeing process that reduces water usage by approximately 33% and carbon emissions by approximately.
11
High Arch Walking Shoes
New Balance MW577 - Men
Currently unavailable
New Balance WW577 - Women
Currently unavailable
The leather and synthetic support overlay of these shoes give the utmost comfort while walking.
- This shoe has an injection-molded EVA midsole and a 13 mm heel offset; both are proven to be very useful for arch support and inflamed toes and fingers.
- It has reflective detailing to enhance your visibility when walking in the evenings.
- The rubber outsole aim you for long life even under rough use.
- This shoe has the Medicare / HCPCS code = A5500 and may be eligible for Medicare reimbursement.
12
Walking and Running Shoe for High Arches
Brooks Launch 12 - Men
Currently unavailable
Brooks Launch 12 - Women
Currently unavailable
The Brooks Launch 12 is the newest in-stock version of this shoe on the web and replaces the Launch 8. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- Sizes and colors vary by listing, so check your size on the web.
13
High Arch Walking Shoes
Asics Gel Excite 11 - Men
Currently unavailable
Asics Gel Excite 11 - Women
Currently unavailable
The Asics Gel Excite 11 is the newest in-stock version of this shoe on the web and replaces the Gel Excite 8. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- PureGEL technology: Softer, updated version of our GEL technology.
- Engineered mesh upper: A lightweight, breathable meshmaterial helps reduce the need for additionaloverlays.
- AMPLIFOAM PLUS cushioning: Midsole cushioning that provides a more soft and comfortable ride than standard AMPLIFOAM cushioning.
- Reflective details: Designed to help improve visibility.
Learning to Live With High Arch
It can be challenging to walk and run when you suffer from a high arch, but when you find the perfect pair of shoes that help your foot be comfortable and free of pain, it will make everything that much sweeter.
Keep in mind that if you invest in the proper pair of shoes to help with your high arch, even if they are a little out of your budget, you will never regret it.
Wearing the proper shoes to support your arch correctly is the best way to keep your foot from becoming worse and will spare you many injuries in the future.
Index Table: Top Rated Athletic Shoes for High Arches
| No. | Shoe | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Asics® - Shoe for High Arch Support |  |  |
| Asics |
| 2 | New Balance® - High Arch Support Shoe |  |  | New Balance | |
| 3 | Saucony® - Running Shoes for High Arches |  |  |
| Saucony |
| 4 | Brooks® - Normal to High Arch Running Shoe in Narrow Widths |  |  |
| Brooks |
| 5 | Nike® - Podiatrist Recommended Shoes for High Arches |  |  | Nike | |
| 6 | ASICS® - Running Shoe for a High Arched Foot |  |  | ASICS | |
| 7 | Saucony® - High Arch Running Shoes |  |  |
| Saucony |
| 8 | Mizuno® - Wave Technology Running Shoes for High Arches |  |  |
| Mizuno |
| 9 | Brooks® - Orthopedic Athletic Walking Shoes |  |  | Brooks | |
| 10 | Asics® - Gel Cushioned High Arch Walking Shoes |  |  |
| Asics |
| 11 | New Balance® - High Arch Walking Shoes |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 12 | Brooks® - Walking and Running Shoe for High Arches |  |  |
| Brooks |
| 13 | Asics® - High Arch Walking Shoes |  |  |
| Asics |
Sources
This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have a foot or health condition, talk to a doctor or podiatrist before choosing footwear.
- Cleveland Clinic: High Arches (Cavus Foot)
- Cleveland Clinic: High Arch Feet (Pes Cavus)
- NHS: Walking for health
- Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety: Working in a Standing Position – Basic Information
Update History
- Oct 2026: Updated Asics Nimbus 26 to Nimbus 28; replaced New Balance 1080v11 with New Balance Fresh Foam 520 v9; updated Saucony Ride 14 to Ride 19; updated Brooks Glycerin 19 to Glycerin 23; replaced Nike Pegasus 38 with Nike Revolution 8; replaced Asics Gel-Kinsei OG with ASICS Gel Contend 10; updated Saucony Guide 14 to Guide 19; updated Mizuno Prophecy 8 to Prophecy 15; replaced Vionic Walker with Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 Supportive; updated Asics Gel Venture 8 to Gel Venture 11; updated Brooks Launch 8 to Launch 12; updated Asics Gel Excite 8 to Gel Excite 11
- Oct 2026: Removed New Balance MW877, Asics Gel Game 8, Skechers Sport Elite Flex, Merrell Moab Vent 2, Skechers Go Walk 6, Dream Pairs Adventurous and Skechers Work Sure Track (unavailable)
- Oct 2026: Added a Key Specs table and a Sources section; checked availability of every product
- Mar 2015: Published
